Chairperson and fellow South Africans, the Taking Parliament to the People programme in Gauteng was, of course, another eye-opener to the blatant, careless and inhumane ANC-neglect of the past 25 years. It is a pity that the hon Dlamini is walking out because I wanted her to digest some facts for future reference.
If we are then to understand the severity of the ANC's failures, we need not look further than the Life Esidimeni tragedy. Yes, my ANC colleagues, I can understand that you might right now be thinking the following: Here we go again, same old story by the opposition to attack us. Bear with me. My dear ANC colleagues, I say to you, bear with me.
I can tell you right now who isn't thinking like that - the families of the 17 missing victims that are still anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones. These are the families that are still waiting for the compensation they so rightfully deserve. These payments are unsurprisingly being delayed by the inefficiency of the failing Office of the Premier in Gauteng. Hon Makue, you know that as well as I do.
Hon Madlala, digest this: Maybe you should go and have a chat over coffee with your friends at Marshalltown and tell them to get cracking. South Africans are growing tired of unnecessary delays. At the same time, perhaps, tell them also to enjoy their last few weeks in office because come 8 May, the people of Gauteng are not only going to fire you but instate a capable, DA-led government to fix this mess you have created. Welcome! [Interjections.]
Chairperson, the problem with the Taking Parliament to the People programme is that it is a complete farce. I will tell you why. ANC members of this very House, colleagues of mine, only utilised these oversight trips to boost their political profiles within the party structures, with the sole purpose of retaining their seats for the next Parliament. If they really cared for the people of Gauteng, why then, I must ask, are they not more critical of this failing government in Gauteng? The primary duty of a Member of Parliament is to hold the executive to account in both provincial and national spheres. However, we are all being fooled. The ANC remains a patronage state that demands loyalty from its members - so much for your Thuma Mina! Digest that for immediate reference!
I heard the failing ANC is taking credit for the number of jobs that are being created in Gauteng. Let me then remind you that you got
your facts from the back of a Chappies wrapper. Let's set the record straight, shall we? Of the 172 000 jobs that were created in the fourth quarter of 2018 - yes, the fourth quarter of 2018, now the other day - in Gauteng, 94% of those were created in the DA-led coalition metropolitan municipalities of Johannesburg and Tshwane. [Interjections.] The ANC-run municipalities like Merafong, Rand West City, and Emfuleni can no longer provide basic services to residents.